Coffee with Bearded Bad Dad

In this episode, former U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant Carl Able breaks down why he left the GOP and how his platform Crayon Box Politics is working to bring transparency back to American government. Topics include:• Leaving the Republican Party• Red vs Blue politics and political homelessness• Tracking federal and state legislation• Media bias and misinformation• Immigration, executive power, and c...

What did the Founding Fathers actually intend for America — and how far have we drifted from it? In this deep-dive conversation, we explore states’ rights, individual liberty, government overreach, federal power, the Constitution, and the erosion of freedom in modern America. We break down how bureaucracy, regulation, surveillance, and centralized control have reshaped everyday life — from propert...

In this powerful conversation, Lisa Eckman — author of Deprogramming Democrats and Educating the Elites — shares her journey from political indoctrination to awakening. We dive deep into brainwashing, media narratives, fear-based programming, government overreach, processed food, Big Pharma, and how everyday Americans are reclaiming their minds. We talk about:• Political programming and identity-b...

In this episode, I sit down with Meir Ezra — former elite Navy units and submarine operative, who grew up under nightly rocket attacks in Northern Israel and later became a wildly successful entrepreneur. We talk about:• What life was really like growing up with rockets overhead• His time serving in an elite Israeli military submarine unit• The rise of antisemitism and media propaganda worldwide•...

In this episode of Coffee with Bearded Bad Dad dives deep with Broadway actor, author, and musician Troy Horne. From the discipline of music to the lessons of fatherhood, Troy and I get honest about midlife, parenting, and why the struggle isn’t something to avoid—it’s the thing that shapes you. We talk creative burnout, chasing dreams after 40, AI music, and what it really means to be a “bad dad....

Former Army officer and author Darrell Berry joins the show to discuss his powerful mystery novel Early This Morning—a fictional story rooted in real-life experiences from the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era of the U.S. military. We dive into the realities of serving while gay, the history of military policies, and the importance of having honest conversations across political lines. From identity and...

When artist and activist Julian Raven took on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, he uncovered a tangled web of bureaucracy, incompetence, and corruption. In this powerful conversation, Julian shares how his vision to restore a historic Elmira building turned into a years-long battle against state overreach. From the misuse of Superfund classifications to the erosion of pr...

When the world feels divided and life keeps throwing curveballs — how do families stay strong? In this raw and honest conversation, Ricky and therapist Angela Caldwell dive deep into parenting during tough economic times, the emotional toll of political chaos, and how to teach kids real resilience. From broken dryers to government shutdowns, this talk reminds us that “this too shall pass.”#Resilie...

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep with author and engineer John Bliss, whose book The False Paradigms of Today and the Timeless Truth of Tomorrow explores consciousness, religion, and the mysteries of existence. We discuss mysticism, peak experiences, psychedelics, spirituality vs. religion, social media negativity, and humanity’s collective awakening. If you’ve ever questioned reali...

In this episode, I sit down with my brother Joe for an unfiltered conversation that goes from 3D printing to the rising cost of living, politics, and what freedom really means today. We talk about creativity, the grind of everyday life, and how the world’s changed since we were kids. No scripts, no filters—just two brothers calling it like we see it.#Podcast #RealTalk #Brothers #3DPrinting #DIYLif...

What if the Earth itself holds the secrets to life beyond our planet? 🌌In this mind-bending conversation, geologist Johnny Tesone from @GeoVortex⁩ reveals how an out-of-body experience in Wyoming’s Wind River Range changed the way he sees geology, consciousness, and the universe itself. Join us as we dive deep into:• The real-world science behind spiritual awakenings 🌬️• How geology connects to U...

In this episode, Ashley and I open up about the ups and downs of the past few weeks — from navigating autism resources at the Thompson Center in Missouri to juggling work stress, parenting challenges, and late-night podcast sessions. We talk about:• Getting autism support and occupational therapy for our son• How to manage burnout and executive dysfunction• Balancing family, work, and mental healt...

In this powerful conversation with Lynnlee Vires, we explore the journey of resilience, family, and finding meaning in today’s divided world. From going back to work in the factory to provide for a once-in-a-lifetime Disney trip with 7 kids and 12 grandkids, to the struggles of entrepreneurship, dog shows, and rebuilding after loss—this episode is packed with real talk. We dive into:• Why family m...

In this episode of Coffee with Bearded Bad Dad, Ricky sits down with Derek Crager, founder of Practical AI and creator of Pocket Mentor. They dive deep into the crossroads we face with artificial intelligence: will it replace humans, or will it augment us to be smarter, sharper, and more capable? From neurodiversity in the workplace to the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve, from the need to teach "the w...

What is a combat spy — and why does the government need them? In this episode of Coffee with Bearded Bad Dad, Pete Turner, former Army counterintelligence agent and host of The Break It Down Show, reveals the hidden world of combat spying, counterintelligence, and psychological operations. We dig into:• The dangerous reality of life as a combat spy• How domestic terrorism and fear are amplified by...

In this heartfelt episode of Coffee with Bearded Bad Dad, Ricky sits down with his son Caleb for a raw, unscripted conversation about life, family, and the future. They dive into the struggles of being a new parent, the rising costs of formula and groceries, and the challenges of making ends meet in today’s economy. From debates on food stamps and personal responsibility to dreams of breaking into...

In this powerful conversation, Ricky (“Bearded Bad Dad”) sits down with a fellow parent to talk about the challenges of raising children with autism, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities in a world that often overlooks accessibility. From ADA-compliant playgrounds that still exclude kids in wheelchairs, to schools failing special needs students, to the unseen struggles parents carry every day —...

In this episode, we speak with Jack McMahon, a relatable voice sharing his journey from a small town in Ohio to military service, reflecting on the pivotal moments that shaped his path. Jack opens up about his childhood, the struggles with authority, and the drive to leave a meaningful legacy for his child. Through candid conversations, we explore themes of resilience, growth, and the pursuit of p...

A raw and unfiltered conversation with a Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Rich Brown. We dive into military life, survival skills, prepping, veteran suicide prevention, losing purpose after service, consumerism in America, and what real independence looks like. From learning how to build a fire and stocking food to dealing with traumatic brain injury and finding community a...

In this episode of Coffee with Bearded Bad Dad, Ricky sits down with his wife Ashley to talk about the realities of back-to-school season, parenting a child with autism, and the bittersweet end of summer. From separation anxiety, routines, and sleepless nights to car troubles, missed adventures, and a Fourth of July full of memories — this conversation is raw, relatable, and full of real-life laug...

What does it really take to succeed as an entrepreneur? In this episode, Paden Squires and I dive deep into the unfiltered journey of risk-taking, resilience, and financial lessons learned the hard way. From overcoming bankruptcy during COVID-19 to building a podcast studio from scratch, our conversation covers:Why financial literacy isn’t taught in schools—and why it should beThe real struggles a...

Are we wrong about ADHD? Psychologist Gloria Vanderhorst, with 50+ years of experience, explains why attention deficit might actually be an advantage—fueling innovation, creativity, and leadership. We dive deep into how boys are raised, why emotional intelligence matters more than ever in the AI age, and how parents can break free from outdated patterns. Gloria shares insights from her book Read,...

In this episode of Coffee with Bearded Bad Dad, Ricky sits down with career Navy officer William Spears to talk about life on a submarine, military culture, and the mindset needed to thrive in high-pressure environments. From silent running deep under the ocean to the philosophy of Stoicism, William shares insights on leadership, just war theory, deterrence, mental toughness, and how ancient wisdo...

Pastor Zach Terry was in Israel on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched its deadly attack. In this powerful conversation, we discuss what really happened on the ground that day, the ideological war unfolding globally, and how it ties to faith, prophecy, and American culture. We also dive into:• What it's like being in Israel during rocket attacks • The rise of anti-Christian and anti-Jewish se...

What happens when two men from completely different paths find common ground in burnout, family sacrifice, and rebuilding their lives from the ground up? In this deeply personal and unfiltered episode of Coffee with Bearded Bad Dad, Ricky sits down with business, life, and leadership coach Jay Meacham to talk about everything from quiet quitting corporate jobs to starting over, raising kids, and t...